I have a question about linking the Pearl to the PC to access the internet rather than using up my monthly data allowance i.e. I want to run applications specific to the BlackBerry that require Internet access but using my PC's network for that connection.

I did search previous postings but the only information I could find seemed to be from early 2006 and appeared to state that what I want to do is not possible - that surprises me greatly.

I turn the wireless off on the Pearl, launch the Desktop Manager, connect the Pearl via USB to the PC but still can't seem to do what I want.

From my understanding of the connection between your PC and BB there are two uses:

1. The transfer of data (sync)
2. Using the BB as a wireless modem (the PC would do the surfing).

I have not heard of anyone using the sync as a conduit for surfing, nor have I heard of this as a capability. Really wouldn't see the need since why not use the computer then if the BB is USB'ed to it?

Hmm. I am sure where there is a will there is a way so to speak, I just haven't heard of a backward type connection for the BB and the PC. I would think a conduit type program would need to exist (unlike the Desktop Manager software) which would tell the BB to have the PC act as the medium to access the PC. In other words you would want the PC to be the modem, and the BB the "PC." Head is spinning after that one.

Haven't heard of a possbility for this, the most and closest thing you could get is just downloading things OTA from an emulator and installing it on your phone, it's hard to convert a computer device as a modem because the hardware/software on the Pearl isn't as complex as OS's on desktop/laptops or PC's in general. PC's are built to detect drivers and use them, which allows the PC to use the Pearl as a modem and a device to connection to the internet. It is way harder to do it backwards because it would need the Pearl to have much more complex detection system and network manipulation and in such a small device, it's really hard.

If in fact you do find a way then very nice, and I hope you share it. I'm not saying it is totally impossible... just not probable at this moment... but maybe if someone is smart enough... they'd find a way.

OK, well it's a shame that I can't do what I want to do but I appreciate your comments

Cheers

I was able to bridge my NIC card with the Bluetooth Adapter (PAN) but when they connect, the Pearl's screen states "Connecting to Desktop..." and that's it, you can't use any apps on the Pearl until you disconnect. Now if there is a way to get that screen out and be able to access the browser, I think that will do the trick.

You need to have either Desktop Manager or Device Manager installed on your BlackBerry and your account needs to be on a BES 4.x server. Your PC needs to be able to reach your BES directly - through LAN, VPN etc.. If you now connect your BB to your PC, your data traffic will be rerouted directly over the LAN to your BES.